By: Lisa Morgan
On a recent evening, the rain barely bothered me. It was nothing compared to the downpour from earlier when I could hardly see the street. I could have easily parked at my daughter’s school and hurried inside with my husband and our daughter, Mia, to the sports banquet. We would have certainly been faster than the sporadic raindrops. Instead, I paused at the cafeteria entrance and urged my husband and Mia to go ahead without me. “This is what Grandpa would do,” I told Mia, our 16-year-old.
Grandpa passed away earlier this year. Mia and her brother Jake, who is 14, are old enough to remember his warmth and kindness, but I can’t help but feel that those memories need reinforcing. As we navigate this first Grandparents Day without him, it weighs on me that we now have three grandparents instead of four.
Mia and Jake are wonderful kids—intelligent, entertaining, and delightful. Yet, like all teenagers, they can be self-absorbed and stubborn. The loss of their grandfather, who fought a brave battle against lung cancer, should inspire some reflection and learning in them. Alongside my role as their constant chauffeur, I want to impart these three lessons:
- LGLGLG!
That’s pronounced “el-gee-el-gee-el-gee.” I heard it weekly growing up. Grandpa would exclaim it excitedly while my brother and I prepared for Saturday errands. Standing in our cozy living room, he would enthusiastically shout, “LGLGLG!” It wasn’t until my teenage years that I realized it was an acronym for “Let’s Go, Let’s Go, Let’s Go!” He was always eager to embrace the day, spend time with us, and give Grandma a break. He had already whipped up breakfast, done the dishes, and organized his to-do list. The burdens of the week didn’t dampen his spirit; it was LG time, and I hope my kids understand the positive energy he maintained despite life’s challenges.
- Savor Every Bite
Whenever my parents visited, we indulged in Alaskan king crab legs. Grandpa would head to the store to buy six pounds, steamed with a touch of Old Bay seasoning. We’d cover the dining room table with newspaper, melt butter, and set out vinegar and cocktail sauce, with paper towels as our centerpiece. Mia would try to crack open a leg or two while Jake opted for his fast food. I would occasionally manage to extract some meat, but my husband was the expert. Grandpa, on the other hand, would share his best pieces with Grandma, taking the time to ensure she enjoyed the feast as well. Even in small tasks, he showed determination and thoroughness, teaching my kids the importance of diligence and generosity.
- Embrace Kindness
Grandpa was known for his unwavering habit of saying “bless you.” It didn’t matter if it was a sneeze, cough, or yawn—he always found a reason to bless us. While Jake insists we joked about this, I believe he genuinely cared. When Grandpa became too frail to say “bless you,” I felt an ache in my heart; his heartfelt wishes were missed. Yet, in that moment, I recognized that his blessings were intentional and meaningful.
Weeks later, Mia surprised me by announcing, “I’m going to make a cup of tea.” This was just an hour after I thought she’d retreat to her room for the night. She had absorbed the essence of Grandpa’s kindness. At his funeral, I shared how he would always ask Grandma what she wanted after her nightly routine. He had a knack for blessing us all with small acts of love—a lesson I hope Mia carries forward.
Today is Grandparents Day. If you have a grandparent in your life, take a moment to show them you are listening too. For more insights on family and parenting, check out this blog post. If you’re considering family planning, you might also want to explore this reputable online retailer for at-home insemination kits, and for more information on fertility treatments, this resource is a great place to start.
In summary, I hope these lessons from their grandfather resonate with my teenagers as they navigate life. His spirit lives on through them, and I believe they will carry his legacy of positivity, determination, and kindness.
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